Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Deadman's Dance by Marta Acosta Narrator: Cindy Kay
Series: Coyote Run #4
Published by Tantor Audio on February 18, 2025
Genres: Mystery
Length: 10 hours, 16 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm
Canine rehabilitator Maddie “Mad Girl” Whitney, still reeling from a recent breakup, struggles to hold her life together as her once-lonely world expands with friends, family, and new staff complicating her every move. Fortunately, her loyal pack of incredible dogs is always by her side. But when she stumbles upon a body sealed in a cask, Maddie is drawn into the high-stakes world of wealthy wine collectors and secrets worth killing for.
The intrigue deepens when two connoisseurs vanish on a hike. Maddie must make the heart-wrenching decision to reunite with her ex, Sheriff Oliver Desjardins, and the Midnight Runners K-9 Search & Rescue Team. Working side by side, Maddie and Oliver navigate the case’s dark twists and their own unresolved emotions. As the mystery unfolds, Maddie realizes the danger runs far deeper than she imagined. Is a “Cabernet Killer” on the loose?
The main character is Maddie who struggles with aspects of her neurodivergent ways. I love her total care for her dogs and attempts to understand humans. She’s doing better with recently discovered biological dad, Abel. Maddie studied criminology and is part of the local Search & Rescue teams so she often gets involved with mysteries and murders.
She has been trying to get past her relationship with the local sheriff, Oliver. He went undercover in a previous book and got a suspect pregnant. The suspect made a deal to give evidence if she could stay with Oliver while pregnant. She tries to make it a lasting relationship with him. It’s grating to see her with Oliver when she tried to kill Maddie. And to live with the fact Oliver cheated on her. She’s happy for Oliver though since he has always wanted children and she doesn’t want them. yes, it’s complicated.
Maddie finds a dead body of a wine merchant, and then there are more. She works with Oliver on a search for a missing wine seller and his nephew, but mostly she works on her own. One of her employees is worried about the main suspect who used to work for one of the sellers. He has an alibi but can’t share it. Maddie thinks he should just share it but comes around to believing he shouldn’t and there is another way. Maddie spends considerable time on the case and worrying about others’ problems to ignore her own feelings.
Maddie figures things out enough that the killer is after her; Oliver’s baby mommy is helping him! Maddie is able to make a break for it, injuring herself but running until she falls. Her dogs find her, so she doesn’t die. The obstacles she left for the killer delayed him enough for him to be caught though. The ending was satisfying.
The Coyote Run series has been a huge favorite with me. I would read them in order for the progression and development of many characters. I love the dogs, of course, and Maddie, so I hope we will get more.
Narration:
Cindy Kay does an excellent job with the narration. I really appreciate her distinct voices for the characters. I know I enjoyed the story more with her performance. I listened at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About Marta Acosta
Marta Acosta lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. She was a feral reader, roaming the stacks of the public library.
She received a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Stanford University and has written for the San Francisco Chronicle, the Contra Costa Times, and Spaces Magazine.
Marta lives with her husband, spawn, and their crazy dogs. An avid gardener, she likes independent films, funny novels, loud music and lively conversations.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 25-Audio
- 25-COYER
This sounds wonderful. I’m glad this is such a good series, I will have to keep it in mind.
Thanks Tammy. It’s an odd story but I love Maddie and her dogs.
Yeah, that personal side does sound complicated, but the dog training and mystery sound like it balances that sort of drama.
yes it’s a bit complicated but mostly I don’t feel it as drama as it’s how her neurodivergent thoughts work. I love the dogs and the mysteries are interesting too.
Liking the sound of this series. Excellent review, Anne💜
Thanks Jonetta. It’s not quite like any other series I have read before. I really like it.
I’d be so mad at Oliver if I were Maddie! I hope she finds someone better. This series really appeals to me! I just checked and the first one is at my library, so yay!
yes Oliver was horrible but also in a bad situation undercover. He was risking his life and couldn’t be too out of that character. I hate what it did to Maddie. You’ll have to read but I would forgive him. He has done lots of great things for them also. I hope you love the stories also.
This sounds really good–and with a lot going on! I can see why you recommend reading the series in order. I am glad you liked Deadman’s Dance so much.
Every book in this series has been a win for me.
I don’t love the sound of the Oliver story line but everything else sounds fantastic and like something I’d really enjoy. I’ll have to look for the first book in the series.
yes the romance goes weird but I love Maddie and her dogs.
Might have to check out book 1 😉
yes I love the series and would start with the first book.
I think the dogs would definitely be a favorite part of the stories for me too. Glad you are still enjoying this series. Great review!
Thank you Lisa. Something about this series just hits all the right notes with me.